Preventing the Spread of Winter Viruses in Children
Winter often brings an increase in coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses among children. Viruses can spread quickly through homes, schools, crèches and shared play areas, particularly when children are in close contact with one another.
Although it is not possible to prevent every illness, simple habits such as regular handwashing and keeping children home when they are unwell can help reduce the spread of winter viruses.
How can parents help with preventing the spread of winter viruses in children?
The two most practical steps are:
Encourage children to wash their hands properly and regularly.
Keep children home when they are unwell and may pass the infection to others.
These habits protect your child while also helping to protect classmates, teachers, siblings, grandparents and other vulnerable family members.
Why do winter viruses spread so easily among children?
Children frequently play, eat and learn in close contact with one another. They may also touch shared toys, desks, devices, door handles and playground equipment before touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Respiratory viruses can spread through droplets and particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. Germs may also be transferred from contaminated hands and frequently touched surfaces.
Good hygiene helps interrupt this cycle. Washing with soap removes germs from the hands, making it less likely that they will reach the eyes, nose or mouth or be passed to another person.
Teach your child to wash their hands properly
Children should wash their hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. They should clean the palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, around the thumbs and under the fingernails.
After washing, hands should be dried thoroughly using a clean towel or hand dryer.
When soap and water are not available, an alcohol based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol may be used. Younger children should be supervised when using hand sanitiser.
When should children wash their hands?
Encourage your child to wash their hands:
Before eating or helping with food• After using the toilet
After blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing
After returning home from school, crèche or public places
After playing outside• After touching shared toys or equipment
After being around someone who is unwell
Whenever their hands are visibly dirty
Children often learn best through repetition and example. Washing your own hands at the same time can help make the habit feel like a normal part of the family routine.
For younger children, a short song or counting exercise can help them wash for the recommended 20 seconds.
Encourage good coughing and sneezing habits
Teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of their elbow rather than into their hands.
Used tissues should be placed in a bin immediately, followed by handwashing. These small habits help limit the number of germs that reach hands, toys and other shared surfaces.
When should a sick child stay home?
A child should generally remain home when they are clearly unwell, unable to participate comfortably in their normal activities or likely to pass an infection to others.
Consider keeping your child home if they have:
A fever
Chills or unusual tiredness
Frequent or severe coughing
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Significant body aches
Symptoms that are worsening
Difficulty managing normal school or crèche activities
Keeping an unwell child home gives them time to rest and recover. It also reduces exposure for other children and staff members.
Current respiratory illness guidance recommends remaining home while symptoms are significant. A child can usually return once their symptoms are improving overall and they have been free from fever for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Parents should also follow the return policy of their child’s school or crèche.
What if my child only has a mild runny nose?
A mild runny nose does not always mean that a child needs to miss school, especially when they are otherwise active, comfortable and able to participate normally.
However, parents should consider the full picture. If the runny nose is accompanied by fever, significant coughing, unusual tiredness, breathing concerns or worsening symptoms, the child may need to remain home or be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Every child and illness is different. When you are uncertain, contact your child’s doctor for individual guidance.
Help prevent viruses from spreading at home
When one family member becomes sick, a few additional precautions may help reduce the chance of the illness spreading through the household.
Encourage everyone at home to:
Wash their hands regularly
Avoid sharing cups, cutlery, towels and toothbrushes
Clean frequently touched surfaces
Open windows where practical to improve airflow
Cover coughs and sneezes
Dispose of used tissues promptly
Give the sick child adequate rest and fluids
Try to clean commonly touched items such as mobile phones, remote controls, taps, door handles, light switches and children’s toys regularly.
Avoid sending a child to school after giving fever medication
Fever reducing medicine may temporarily lower a child’s temperature, but it does not mean that the illness has resolved or that the child is no longer contagious.
A child should be able to remain fever free without medication before returning to school or crèche. Sending a child back too early may delay recovery and expose others to the illness.
When should parents contact a paediatrician?
Arrange a medical assessment if your child’s symptoms are persistent, worsening or causing concern.
You should seek medical advice if your child has:
A persistent or recurring fever
Coughing that is worsening or not settling
Wheezing or other breathing related symptoms
Poor feeding or difficulty drinking
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
Signs of dehydration
Unusual tiredness or reduced responsiveness
Symptoms that keep returning
A chronic health condition affected by the illness
For severe breathing difficulty, seizures, severe dehydration or any life threatening symptoms, take your child directly to the nearest emergency unit. Dr Pillay’s paediatric services include the assessment of childhood illnesses, fever, respiratory symptoms and recurring infections.
Frequently asked questions
How long should children wash their hands?
Children should wash their hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. They should clean all areas of the hands before rinsing and drying them thoroughly.
Is hand sanitiser suitable for children?
Hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol can be used when soap and water are unavailable. Young children should be supervised, and sanitiser should be stored safely out of their reach.
When can my child return to school after a fever?
A child can generally return once their symptoms are improving and they have been free from fever for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Always check the school or crèche’s individual illness policy.
Should my child stay home with a cough?
It depends on the severity of the cough and how the child is feeling. A mild cough may not always require staying home. A child with a severe or frequent cough, fever, breathing difficulty, marked tiredness or worsening symptoms should remain home and may need medical assessment.
Can winter viruses be completely prevented?
Not every viral infection can be prevented. However, regular handwashing, appropriate coughing and sneezing habits, keeping sick children home and cleaning shared surfaces can help reduce transmission.
Supporting your child through winter
Frequent winter illnesses can be stressful for both children and parents. Consistent hygiene routines and allowing children enough time to recover can make an important difference.
For guidance about recurring infections, persistent coughs, fever or other childhood health concerns, parents can arrange a consultation with Dr Lerissa Pillay.
Book a paediatric consultation
Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information and should not replace an individual medical consultation. Every child’s symptoms and healthcare needs are different. Contact a qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned about your child’s health. Seek urgent medical assistance for severe or life threatening symptoms.
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